Data Collection Strategies An Overview

Different ways to collect qualitative data

Collecting Data Observation Interviews Focus groups Open-ended surveys Participants writings Visual methods

Observation

Observation Researchers gather data either by observing or by both observing and participating, to varying degrees, in the study-community’s daily activities. Can be done both in person, as video observations, or both

Types Of Observers: Participant vs Non-participant Complete observer Behind one-way mirror, invisible role Observer as participant Known, unhidden observer Participant as observer Hidden observer

Advantages & Disadvantages of Observation It allows the researcher to see what actually goes on at the ground level. (what people say and what they do is quite different) It allows the researcher to be able to feel and experience how the participants feel Gives researchers and inside perspective It is Time- consuming Subjective May need to be followed up with interviews or debriefing to clarify the observations

Interviews

Interviews A qualitative research method in which a researcher/interviewer gathers data about an individual’s perspectives on a specific topic(s) The researcher/interviewer engages with the individual by posing questions in a neutral manner, listening attentively to responses, and asking follow-up questions and probes based on those responses.

Interview techniques Structured Semi-structured Unstructured Impose fixed structure on ordering & wording of question & categories for coding response Semi-structured Less rigid than structured Respondents asked a series of open ended questions and answers are recorded in full. Interviewer is free to probe to amplify & clarify responses and follow up any interesting idea or to delete any question Unstructured Minimal influence on the structure of schedule(In-depth interview)

Purpose Of Interviews It help us to Elicit: Feelings Thoughts Opinions Previous experiences The meaning people give to certain events

Advantages & Disadvantages of Interviews Bi-directional Allows for the researcher to probe deeper Can allow subjects to open up more if they feel safe and comfortable with the researcher Replicability difficult Time consuming Require familiarity with language and culture Requires social skills

Focus Groups

Focus Groups a group interview with 3 to 12 participants group discussion guided by the researcher but open to participants to discuss, questions, answer, and interact.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Focus Groups Not replicable Not as in-depth Specific individuals may dominate the discussion Difficult to transcribe if speaking overlaps Not confidential Get a variety of perspectives/reactions to a certain issue Allows for participants to build off of one another Many perspectives in a short time

Open-ended Survey

Open-ended Surveys Collection of data through written responses to open ended questions.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Open-ended Surveys Easy to administer Low cost Can get a large number or participants from a wide range of settings Automatic data sorting One directional People don’t like to do surveys People may troll the survey

Online Tools https://www.limesurvey.org/ www.surveymonkey.com/

Participant’s Writings

Participant’s writings Collection of data through participant writing on a given topic. Can be in the form of a journal, reflection, essay, or additional writing task.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Participant Writing Easy to administer Low cost Non-intrusive Easily anonymized One-directional Participants can feel burdened by being asked to write (especially if it is in their L2) Participants may not write to the quality and quantity that you expect

Visual Methods Collection of data through pictures, videos, drawings, etc. (online or offline) Researcher filming or photographing activities and/or interactions Participants filming their own activities and interactions in the learning environment as a means of providing insight into their perspective. This could include the use of video diaries.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Visual Methods Goes beyond words Gives a fresh perspective Can be followed up with interviews to bring out issues that are meaningful to the participants Relatively new Can be overly interpretive Can break ethical codes Intrusive

Reflection Which method or methods are most suitable for your intended project? Why are they the most suitable?

References Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage publications. Dörnyei, Z. (2007) Research Methods in Applied Linguistics. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Tracy, S. J. (2013). Qualitative research methods. Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.